Horizons Math Grade 4 and K,The Reading Lesson, Sequential Spelling, Lifepac Language Arts 4, Apologia Astronomy, Veritas Press New Testament/Greeks/Romans
Prima Latina, Contenders for the Faith and various Winters Promise books, Live Mocha Spanish, Plants Grown Up
After marriage God called me to the mission field -
A little bundle needing all my care,
A disciple in touch with my life, obedient to all he hears.
Then came some more all in a row.
Everywhere I went, six little arrows in tow.
God had to call me again to His mission field.
I answered, "To China, to Africa, to Israel, oh where?"
His voice was clear, soft and gentle. My ministry arranged -
"My child, you are to polish our arrows,
Preparing them for My call to spread my
Words of life for other nations to see."
"Lord," I cried, "Loneliness surrounds my soul,
No other woman stands with me answering your call.
The sacrifice is great."
Women give way to another's voice, pulling them away
from their home, far from the quiver."
Once more I pleaded, "May I go too, Lord, I feel the call
To share with the lost, Life giving words,
To feed the hungry a satisfying meal."
"My child," Jesus replied, "You share with your
children salvation and truth.
Feed them meals under your roof.
Discipline them, train them and then lie down in peace,
For sacrificial love have you given to make the world right.
Arise in the morning, open My book,
Teach them into My eyes they must look."
"Yes, Lord, I replied, "But should I serve you in a more obvious way?"
"Child, my sweet child," God spoke once more.
I anointed you to do this work - the high calling of Motherhood.
To show our children the need for my love."
"Lord,", I sought out, still not fully convinced,
"Should I sew for those in thread barren clothes, a Dorcas, a Martha?"
"Sit at my feet, my child, listen to me.
Your daughter needs dresses, your sons warm shirts,
The button of your husband's coat still lies on the table.
Pick up your mantle, the rod of Aaron.
Lead my women back to their home.
"Yes, Lord." Filled and content, I took my position in God's mission field.
Hungry faces graced my bedside.
Clothed in God's mantle, children at my side,
I prepared breakfast.
Nov. 4, 2009 - Mothers, what a mighty calling we have!
But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD,
And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.
Hecommanded us
That we should teach them to our children,
That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born,
That they may arise and tell them to their children,
That they should put their confidence in God
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments, 8And not be like their fathers,
A stubborn and rebellious generation,
A generation that did not prepare its heart
And whose spirit was not faithful to God.
Psalm 78
Oct. 25, 2009 - MAKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR CHILDREN A PRIORITY
MAKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR CHILDREN A PRIORITY
With all the good and necessary tasks and opportunities that demand our attention each
day, we need to prayerfully consider what God wants us to do with our time. When
we struggle with the constant act of balancing other responsibilities with the
clear responsibility to nurture relationships within the family, it is good to
remember what God has to say about our priorities.
We must remember that we are responsible to build relationships.
God has commanded us to disciple our children. To do this, we must
have strong, healthy relationships with them.
“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be
in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest
in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
(Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
We must believe God when He says that our relationship with Him is demonstrated through our
relationship with people. We express our love for God by how we love those made in His image.
“And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” (1 John 4:21)
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all
thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
We must treasure the opportunity and privilege that God has given us to display His love as we
lay down our lives for our children, spending time with them, discipling
them, loving them, and teaching them God’s Word.
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and
we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s
good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:16-17)
We must remember that love is demonstrated through actions! We must invest time and
energy building a foundation of love and trust that leads our children to welcome and value
our instruction.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
(1 John 3:18)
We must remember that the season of childrearing is short! Use it well!
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
“As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.”
(Psalm 103:15)
The ability to rule over our own bodies-choosing to deny ourselves pleasures, and to do things we do not feel like doing-will prepare us to exercise self discipline in other areas...
Our sons will be more self-sacrificing husbands, more diligent workers, and more faithful fathers, if WE are faithful to pass on to them the heritage of a disciplined life.
We must call on them continually to do things they do not FEEL like doing. We must let them suffer the consequences of choosing to let their feelings rule. We must bring them alongside us, training them to do what is right until they can enjoy the blessings of self control.
The Lord has been teaching me lately about my own consistency, and self control. I need to live this example for my children as well as be consistent in training their hearts and attitudes to be diligent workers.
I have found myself needing daily reminders of what my goal is and the steps I need to follow to accomplish that goal, so I pulled out my copy of Raising Godly Tomatoes.
I will be the first to tell you that the BEST source of child rearing advice is God's own Word, the Bible, but this book really helped me lear about consistency ad realistic expectations.
Change to Consistency "I remember a specific day years ago when my oldest three children were still young. I was talking to a friend on the phone, and I remember telling the caller that I could hear my little daughter jumping on the couch in the other room, and that I "really should go stop her...." Then it hit me. Yes, that's exactly what I needed to do in order to begin seeing some lasting results in my efforts to raise godly children. I needed to stop talking to my friends on the phone, and go correct my daughter every single time she needed it. That would be true consistency, and I hadn’t been doing it.
So, I decided to change. I resolved to make consistency my top priority. I stopped running unnecessary errands, stopped over-indulging in my hobbies, stopped making excessive social phone calls, and set my mind diligently and consistently, on training my children. I continued with the normal mandatory tasks of life, such as basic housekeeping, laundry, and cooking, but even as I did those things, I kept in mind that my children were my top priority, not a fancy dinner or a spotless house. I gathered my children close to me so I could always see and hear them, then I stopped what I was doing and promptly corrected them, every time they needed it."
Tomato Staking with Love
Beside making it possible to watch and correct your children, Tomato Staking makes it possible to nurture your children with love. Keep your children with you. Hug, kiss, sing, laugh and play with them. Include them in the things you are doing. Smile at them when they come to you to show you something. Welcome their attention. Answer their questions. Invite them into your lap for a cuddle. Let them crawl into your bed and snuggle up to you now and then. When they ask to help you, say, "Sure." Joke and laugh with them. Share with them your sense of humor. Be interested in the things they are interested in and be excited about their accomplishments as you tutor them in all of God’s ways. Get to know them and let them get to know you. Can a child who is the constant recipient of such joyful companionship ever doubt that he is deeply and profoundly loved? I don’t think so.
I know that all moms are beset with endless chores and duties, but these should never take precedence over your children. If you are Tomato Staking with an abundance of love, you will soon find that discipline consuming a progressively diminishing portion of your time, freeing you up for those chores. So especially when you are first starting out, set aside what tasks you can, and address your child’s needs for both discipline and love, whenever they arise.
Teaching obedience so you don’t have to teach anything else.
In our home, we begin training our children to conform to the image of God when they are still small by teaching only one thing - that they must always obey us with a willing and pleasant spirit. When we start with just that one thing, we don't have to do much else. What could be more simple? Once your child understands obedience, everything else is pretty much taken care of. Henceforth, you can simply ask him to come to you and he will. You can ask him to pick up his toys and he will. You can ask him to get ready for bed and he will trot off and do so. You can even ask him to "stop crying," and he will stop. Simple. Obedience is really all you need to teach a little one.
From Chapter 3:-which you can read online here
http://www.raisinggodlytomatoes.com/ch03.asp
Be joyful with Jerusalem and rejoice for her, all you who love her; Be exceedingly glad with her, all you who mourn over her.That you may nurse, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that you may suck milk, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory For thus says the LORD, "Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; And you will be nursed, you will be carried on the hip and cuddled on the knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.
Isaiah 66:10-13
I read this today as i was looking for another verse completely as I was, ironically, nursing a toddler peacefully to sleep. I looked at her so cozy and happy, not a worry in the world, knowing she is safe on mama's lap, and couldn't help but rejoice that our Lord loves us that much. He wants us to feel safe, content and secure as well.
I am so thankful that the Lord uses illustrations that hit so close to home. I have a child on my hip more than half the day... He speaks to us through the every day acts of life. Being a mother at home is no less a task than any other. This is where he calls me to be, at home, nursing a baby, teaching my children, filling their tummies at meal time, washing their clothes. And I resolve to worship him and thank him in each act of service!
What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow. - Martin Luther
Often we don't view our daily activities biblically. We wrongly believe that the more mundane the task, the less significant it is to God. As difficult as it may be to believe, the hands that tenderly bathe your baby at night are no less holy than the hands that serve you communion on Sunday. Every small act of love to your family- every diaper you change, every meal you prepare, every toilet you scrub, every errand ou run, every fever you tend to, each tooth you pull, every moment of undefiled intimacy with your husband- each one is a holy act with it's done as unto the Lord. - Stacy McDonald, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God
Like a shepherd, He will tend His flock,
In His arms He will gather the lambs
And carry them in His bosom
He will gently lead the nursing ewes (or those with young)
Isaiah 40:11
Pour out your heart like water
before the face of the Lord
Lift your hands toward Him
for the life of your young children
Lamentations 2:19
But the women will be preserved through the
beariing of children
if they continue in faith, love and sanctity with
self restraint
1 Timothy 2:15
One of my best memories from when I was a child was the days my Dad got off work early. I'd come home and find my stuffed dog "Fluffy" is some kind of mischief. He'd set up scenes with laundry baskets, ransom notes... It was always a fun surprise.
Fluffy and Monkey reminiscant of my childhood
So last year when I was on bed rest and I allowed my boys to go to a birthday party without me for a good friend of ours (I am NEVER without my children), I was at home miserably lonely, missing them when I saw Fluffy laying on Andrew's bed. I decided I wanted to leave my children those kinds of memories. So that afternoon I started my own tradition, smiliar but updated and adapted to our family!
Monkey on the treadmill
I took Andrew's "Monkey" and placed him in several mischievious situations and snapped pictures. When they got home I told them I was so tired because Monkey had been acting naughty all afternoon! They giggled and said "What do you mean?" so I showed them on my computer all the times I had "caught" Monkey being naughty! They thought it was great, and I printed the pictures to place in a small album that Andrew keeps on his bed. Since that day we've added many other pictures from when they were sleeping, or playing outside.... Monkey making cereal for breakfast
We also occasionally tell Curious George type stories about the time our family went on a field trip and Monkey climbed into the space ship at the museum and took a trip through space.... or when Monkey went with us to the grocery store and ate every single banana... The boys ask for these stories a lot more often than my imagination can come up with them, but they mean so much to them I love to do it!
What kind of memories are you making with your children?
I blog to encourage other women, but I have realized lately that sometimes being reminded that you are not the only one who struggles is an encouragement as well. So on that note I am sharing the reality of the Passover dinner. It was actually a very simple dinner, nothing elaborate at all. We(well my 8 year old actually planned the menu) decided on lamb meatballs (seasoned with fresh garlic and rosemary and they were awesome), salad, cucumbers, apples dipped in honey matzoh and grape juice.
I had a cranky girl from the beginning who had to be bribed with ranch to dip her matzoh in just to stop crying long enough for me to get through the verses I wanted to read and the prayer before we ate. Even with that she managed to grab a handful of the salad that was set too close to her seat and toss it on the floor. As dinner went on my boys were more hyper and silly than somber and spiritual. Abigail pegged the dog in the head with a meatball, and one of my boys decided to, out of nowhere, start dancing in his chair, which knocked one of those pretty antique goblets across the kitchen resulting in hundreds of pieces of shattered glass on the floor.
But that does not mean dinner was not a success. It was still a tradition I hope my children will remember through out their lives. I know that they were at least exposed to the truth of Christ's love even if it is not yet meaningful to them. Reality is life is not picture perfect, but that does not make it any less meaningful or worth it!
This past week my oldest had state testing. He turned 8 this year so Washington requires him to take some kind of standardized test (there is also an option of assessments but testing was the only option in our budget). We we spent a few hours each day at the district office waiting for him. When the testing was finally done we had a fellowship/lunch to attend and today a class at the library.
I've said it over and over before, the reason I am able to accomplish so much in my home is because I stay AT home, and this week has reinforced that concept!
I am EXHAUSTED! I'm so overwhelmed with the housework that didn't get done, and not thinking about prepping dinner until 3:30 left me frazzled! Dishes piled up in the sink, and I felt like I was constantly running from one task to another and I was not filled with peace and joy as I aim to be! I've been so stressed trying to play catch up and get ready to go to the next thing, I seriously wonder how others do it every day! I remember when that was my daily life, and I praise God for changing my heart and for the blessing of having the ability to stay home with my family every day.
I KNOW that *I* am unable to leave the house every day and still be the calm mom I want to be and do the things that need to be done. For me those things include keeping a tidy home, spending time with my children to educate them and build relationships with them, making them healthy homemade meals and still having time to truly enjoy the little things in life. Even one day a week activities overwhelm me. Because I know this, I do not participate in MOPS, or Womens' Bible study etc. I'd love to do these things, but I recognize that in this season of life I am called to be home. And I do not feel guilty for that. Someday my children will be grown and I will be in a season of life to be involved in other ministries and activities outside my home. But for now the Lord has given me a husband and small children as my ministry and it is important to Him that I fullfill this calling faithfully.
We do occasionally attend the twice a month classes at our local Estuary, or the Saturday Workshops at Home Depot or the special programs at the library, because with these kinds of activities we dont have to commit to coming EVERY single week. If we skip a week or two or three it isnt a big deal.
So I wrote this blog to encourage you moms that you dont HAVE to do it ALL, or feel bad that you must say no to some activities and invitations. And for those of you who think I have it all together all the time to be reassured that I do have bad weeks too! So I leave you with a verse that has refreshed my soul MANY times this last week!
Isaiah 40:11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather His lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead those with young ones
Currently reading: In the Snow
By Sharon Phillips Denslow
Release date: 2005-09-27
9“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”
20: And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you
~1 Chronicles 28
Is this not the most amazing advice? You all know I LOVE David's story but this time around this snippet was new to me. I just didn't pay attention before I guess, but what AWESOME advice!
I really love the "Be strong and do it". That is some advice that needs to be given here lately. I admit I've been struggling. Raising 2 boys as a single mom is rough. Daddy's been gone so much this last year (and when he is home his beliefs are different than mine anyhow) and I keep being reminded that my oldest is already 8 years old, he'll be a young man so soon already! But we still have a long way to go till he is ready to be the man I hope he will be! So I have been doing the only thing I can do.
Praying.
And God has been faithful to keep me supplied with wisdom. Praise His name!
Honestly the most natural thing for me to do when I have a problem is ask others for advice and search for "How To" books to fix my problem, but this time I realized that really doesn't work, and there is only one How To book I really need, so I've denied the urges to try and fix this struggle on my own, and He has been so good to me. He's brought me advice I didn't ask for from people I really admire, He's brought some of the GREATEST verses to both me and that 8 year old of mine. He's convicted me as well, helping me grow into a better example of what a godly person should be!
I wrote this to just encourage you, ASK Him for help, and if you are truly willing He will answer beyond your wildest hopes. Our God is so good!
Something that we had let slide was reading missionary magazines. They put life in perspective , letting children see that we are so rich and extravagant in this country. Also they show the amazing ways God is still working for those who actively seek Him. I heartily recommend these 2 magazines to Christian families.
Gospel For Asia http://www.gfa.org/send
and Calvary Chapel Missions http://www.calvarymagazine.org/
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I also am bumping this up to recommend Voice of Martyrs. http://www.kidsofcourage.com/
We've just read the regular magazine so far, but just signed up for the childrens magazine as well! http://www.kidsofcourage.com/
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I'm currently reading Elisabeth Elliot's book Shaping of a Christian Family and it reconfirmed how important exposing children to missions really is!
The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
Proverbs 29:15-17
Did you know that God has the answer to every question you have? Did you know He will give you the answers you need if you only ask? If only you take the time to wait on Him and open your heart to hear what He has to say. I'm so thankful for that! He is faithful to always give me the answers I need if I exercise patience, and truly wait on Him!
Training children is a hard task. I've found myself tested in the areas of being diligent and consistent. The Lord has reminded me how important it is to keep my children close, and deal with any issues that arise before they become issues. If I see the beginning of a poor attitude I need to nip it before it becomes full blown self pity and pouting. If I hear the beginning of an argument I need to stop it and remind them to love one another and give preference each other over themselves.
I've been so blessed by godly wisdom lately (thanks W/S ladies, you know who you are!) but even more so by God's own word. He is faithful to give me reminders when I remember to bring my problems to Him first!
I can not raise godly children in my own strength. I am a sinner just like them, but I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. He knows my exact situation, and He loves my children even more than I ever could!
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men Colosians 3:23
A society with empty hearts gives only what is required, and that grudgingly. They even cheat one another by giving less that is required. The cheated person cheats in return. Rather than giving out of the abundance of their hearts, they try and fill their empty souls with what they take from others, hording what they have gathered. -Bob Schultz
3 John 5: Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren andfor strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness, not godliness.
If I scream at my children for every infraction,
and fault them for every mess they make,
but have not love,
my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy,"
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.
All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.
Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,
But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.
Titus 2:4
Train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God
Mothers, I hope to inspire you to make every day special for your children. Just little gestures that make them see God's beauty in every day occurrences, that make them feel special and loved. It will change your mindset as well!
I let my children drink milk out of fancy tea cups sometimes. I serve meals and snacks occasionally just for them on my best china, the set my great grandmother gave me that were hers. Children are more careful than you'd think when they see that they are given the chance to use something special. And if they were to break , my children and the memories I am making with them are so much more important than "stuff of this world".
It doesn't even have to be anything extraordinary. Rainbow sprinkles on their pancakes, a heart made of chocolate chips on their oatmeal. Bread made in a shaped mold. These things make all the world to children and it is so fun to do these things for them and see their eyes light up!
One thing I need a reminder of sometimes is to let them help. Yes I could do it myself twice as fast and make 100 times less of a mess, but what memories would that be making? What skills would the children be learning? Is the beauty of the finished product more important that the confidence they have when they make something "themselves"? I learned today that my younger son is an expert potato peeler (which is great because I hate peeling), even though he peels the skins onto the floor. And my oldest is great at chopping potatoes to put in the pot! Abigail is great at banging measuring cups against her high chair, and that is her favorite place to be when I'm cooking because then she is high enough to see the counter tops and see what I am doing!
I love to search for books at our library to find new recipes and decorating ideas to please my children, husband and any guests who may come into our home. I find lots of fun stuff that way. Mothering and homemaking and being a wife are all processes that involve constant learning, and I aim to improve every day!
"It is a universal rule that the more excited or naughty the children are, the more quiet and clear the mother should be. A mother who realizes this for the first time, and works with herself until she is free from all excited and strained resistance, discovers that it is through her care for her children that she herself has learned how to live. Blessed are the children who have such a mother, and blessed is the mother of those children!...All vehemence is weak; quiet, clear decision is strong; and the child not only feels the strength of the quiet, decisive action, but he feels the help from his mother's quiet atmosphere which comes with it.
--Annie Payson Call
I do so agree that a mother's attitude and manner make the biggest difference on children. If only I could let go of my stress and uptightness my children would be so much calmer...This is my goal this week. To be simply quieter and more even mannered. Care to join me?
Little Peter has requested to move on to 1 Samuel in our bedtime readings. We've finished Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Judges, and Ruth in the last year. I was secretly excited. I love the story of David...and before him Hannah. Hannah has been close to my heart the last couple years. I'm so excited to share God's stories of faithfulness and devotion, and lessons of the consequences of sin as well, that are tucked into 1 and 2 Samuel with my children!
From Samuel's example alone we can learn so much. (quoted from Beth Moore)
~We cannot use even the worst of our leaders'(parents etc) failures as excuses before God for lives of negligence and comprimise. Despite the HORRID example of Eli's sons, Samuel chose a life of unparallelled faithfulness to God.
~ Parents, like Hannah, do a tremendous service to their children when they rear them to worship and adore God and God alone. Hannah could not train Samuel to depend on herbecause she wouldn't be there. As we witness his life, we see Samuel never confused God and man. Samuel learned his faith from his mother-a woman whose faithfulness evidenced her faith, a woman with compulsory faith on her lips
19 Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. 20 So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel,saying, "Because I have asked for him from the LORD." 21 Now the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the LORD and remain there forever." 23 So Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him. Only let the LORD establish His word." Then the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 24 Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, "O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. 28 Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD." So they worshiped the LORD there.
Currently watching : Deep Sea (IMAX)
Release date: 2007-03-27
To just forget the list of chores that need to be done and take some time to get on the floor and build with her children! (and NOT hyperventilate at the sight of the living room covered with Legos!)
I came across my old prayer journal this week, and found some awesome notes from random Mothering books I have read.
~If I yield to God's purpose, I wont struggle through selfish attitudes, fail to meet my children's needs or fight unnecessary battles.
~See messes and fusses as opportunities to train my children to be peacemakers and responsible rather than as an irritation, accept interruptions to my plans as divine appointments
(Mission Motherhood)
~When I stop speeding through life, I find the joy in each day's doings, in the life that can not be bought, but only discovered, created, savored and lived.
~Leave time for my children to know they have my complete attention and there is no where I'd rather be at the moment
(Mitten Strings for God)
In Jeremiah 15:1 Moses and Samuel are linked together in their ability to pray for others. The trait both these men had in common were faithful mothers who had only the first 3 years with their sons, but in those 3 years taught them about God and no doubt prayed fervently for them throughout their lives. The lives and impact of both Moses and Samuel should cause parents to think twice about "day care" or "mother's care"! We can never underestimate the power of parents, specifically mothers on young children!
-Jim George
The most important thing we can do for our children is pray for them.
We can pray that God will give our children soft hearts to hear His voice and to be pliable in His hands.
That they will love righteousness and hate evil, they will seek God with all their hearts
That they will find godly wives or husbands who will establish godly homes with them
That God would pour His holy spirit on them as He promises in Isaiah 44:3-4
That their spirit, soul and body would be kept pure and blameless for the Lord
That they would know God personally and experience His power and presence in their lives.
That they would have joy, not happiness when things go well, but true joy that goes beyond circumstances.
That they would be able to live in the world without being touched by the evil of the world.
That they would have a passion and love for the Word of God and it would lead them to holiness.
Being to those under her as far as in her lay, what our Lord was to his disciples, reproducing His humility, His charity, His goodness, His sweetness, His patience...never surprised at at defects and imperfections...forming by example rather than precept...leading to God....by love and confidence rather than by fear...proportioning her teaching and trials to the character, strength and measure of grace of each individual, making them understand that only by renunciation and death of self can they reach the goal, and ever helping them by all the means that unwearied charity could suggest
-Maud Monahan
A mother is a chalice, the vessel without which no human being has ever been born. She is created to be a life-bearer, cooperating with her husband and with God in the making of a child. What a solemn responsibility. What an unspeakable privilege-a vessel divinely prepared for the Master's use.
-Elisabeth Elliot
Mothering a child means late nights of rocking a baby, changing (and washing for some of us) smelly diapers, cleaning gross messes, putting aside our desires and plans...
Christian faith looks on these "insignificant" and "distasteful" chores of motherhood and is aware they are adorned with divine approval as with the costliest jewels. It says "O God I am not worthy to rock this child, or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child. Though the duty may be despised and called insignificant I am certain that it is pleasing in Thy sight."
Our children are LENT to us by God.
God never issued instructions He is not prepared to enable us to follow. The contrast between the actual and the ideal is bridged by Grace. He is a Savior and a Helper a Father of fathers (and mothers), He longs to show us His way to lift us when we fall, to forgive us when we sin, to give us the supernatural power to do things we can not do naturally.
The Bible tells us to bring up our children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This is a task we are commanded to do. It is MUCH more than just allowing our children to grow. To raise children well is a laborous task, but there is no greater reward.
To give children good instruction and a bad example is is to show them the way to heaven while taking them by the hand and leading them to hell-Tilotsen
1 Timothy 2:15 15 Nevertheless women will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control
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